The Chiefs have named co-captains for their 2012 Super Rugby campaign.

The leadership duties will be shared between Liam Messam and Craig Clarke as new coach Dave Rennie looks to tackle an intense campaign. The 27-year-old back-row Messam is a Chiefs veteran having turned out 79 times for the franchise while lock Clarke has turned out 41 times for the Chiefs and has captained Taranaki during the 2011 ITM Cup.

Rennie said the decision to name two captains was made in an attempt to spread the responsibility over an intense campaign. "Liam and Craig are both players who will bring great values, work ethic and leadership to their roles as co-captain," Rennie said. "It is a long season and this decision will allow the co-captains with their complimentary skill sets, to share the extensive load."

The pair will be assisted by a leadership group of Tanerau Latimer, Richard Kahui, Mahonri Schwalger and Aaron Cruden.

And Messam was looking forward to stepping into the sizeable shoes of the now departed skipper Mils Muliaina. "I'm rapt to be involved in a captaincy role again this year," Messam said. "It is an exciting new era for the Chiefs which I am stoked to be a part of. It is a big responsibility taking over Mils' shoes, but one I am really looking forward to."

The Chiefs start their Super Rugby campaign against the Highlanders on February 25.